Hole saw arbor assembly

ABSTRACT

A cutting tool includes a hole saw, a pilot bit, and an arbor assembly. The arbor assembly includes a shank, a sleeve, a first ball bearing moveable relative to the shank, the first ball bearing engaging the hole saw to releasably secure the hole saw to the shank, and a second ball bearing moveable relative to the shank, the second ball bearing engaging the pilot bit to releasably secure the pilot bit to the shank. The sleeve is moveable to a first position where the hole saw and the pilot bit are secured to the arbor assembly, to a second position where the first ball bearing disengages the hole saw, allowing removal of the hole saw from the shank, and to a third position where the second ball bearing disengages the pilot bit, allowing removal of the pilot bit from the shank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/712,268, filed Sep. 22, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/398,619, filed Sep. 23, 2016, andthe entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to arbor assemblies and, moreparticularly, to quick-release arbor assemblies for hole saws.

Typically, a hole saw is coupled to a rotating power tool using anarbor. An aperture defined by the hole saw is configured to receive aportion of the arbor. Furthermore, the aperture corresponds to threadson the portion of the arbor such that the hole saw is rotatably coupledto threads of the portion of the arbor. Quick removal of the hole sawfrom the arbor is typically desired.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a cutting tool including ahole saw, a pilot bit, and an arbor assembly. The arbor assemblyincludes a shank having a first end and a second end and defining alongitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The firstend of the shank is removably coupled to the hole saw and to the pilotbit, and the second end of the shank is configured to be coupled to apower tool. The arbor assembly also includes a sleeve moveable along theshank in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a first ballbearing disposed on the sleeve and moveable with the sleeve. The firstball bearing engages the hole saw to releasably secure the hole saw tothe shank. The arbor assembly further includes a second ball bearingdisposed on the shank and moveable relative to the sleeve. The secondball bearing engages the pilot bit to releasably secure the pilot bit tothe shank. When the sleeve moves toward the second end of the shank, thefirst ball bearing disengages the hole saw and the second ball bearingdisengages the pilot bit, allowing removal of the hole saw and the pilotbit from the shank.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a cutting tool including ahole saw and an arbor assembly. The arbor assembly includes a shankhaving a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal axisextending through the first and second ends. The first end of the shankis removably coupled to the hole saw, and the second end of the shank isconfigured to be coupled to a power tool. The arbor assembly alsoincludes a sleeve moveable along the shank in a direction parallel tothe longitudinal axis, and a ball bearing disposed on the sleeve andmoveable with the sleeve. The ball bearing engages the hole saw toreleasably secure the hole saw to the shank. When the sleeve movestoward the second end of the shank, the ball bearing moves radiallyinward and disengages the hole saw, allowing removal of the hole sawfrom the shank.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an arbor assembly for usewith a hole saw and a pilot bit. The arbor assembly includes a shankhaving a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal axisextending through the first and second ends. The first end of the shankis configured to be coupled to the hole saw and to the pilot bit, andthe second end of the shank is configured to be coupled to a power tool.The arbor assembly also includes a sleeve moveable along the shank in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis, a spring biasing the sleevetoward the first end, and a first ball bearing disposed on the sleeveand moveable with the sleeve. The first ball bearing is configured toengage the hole saw to releasably secure the hole saw to the shank. Thearbor assembly further includes a second ball bearing disposed on theshank and moveable relative to the sleeve. The second ball bearing isconfigured to engage the pilot bit to releasably secure the pilot bit tothe shank. When the sleeve moves toward the second end of the shank, thefirst ball bearing is configured to disengage the hole saw and thesecond ball bearing is configured to disengage the pilot bit, allowingremoval of the hole saw and the pilot bit from the shank.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hole saw and an arbor assemblyembodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the arbor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the arbor assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the arbor assembly taken alongsection line 4A-4A of FIG. 2, the arbor assembly including a sleeve in afirst position.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the arbor assembly with the sleevein a second position.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the arbor assembly with the sleevein a third position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap of the hole saw shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another arbor assembly embodying theinvention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the arbor assembly shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view the arbor assembly taken along sectionline 8-8 of FIG. 6, the arbor assembly including a sleeve in a firstposition.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor assembly shown in FIG. 6with the sleeve in a second position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another arbor assembly embodying theinvention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the arbor assembly shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor assembly taken alongsection line 12-12 of FIG. 10, the arbor assembly including a sleeve ina first position.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the arbor assembly shown in FIG. 10with the sleeve in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting tool 10 including a hole saw 14, a pilotbit 18, and an arbor assembly 22 for a hole saw 14. The arbor assembly22 includes a release mechanism for releasably coupling both the holesaw 14 and the pilot bit 18 to the arbor assembly 22. Thus, the arborassembly 22 allows different types and/or sizes of hole saws and pilotbits to be interchangeably coupled to the arbor assembly 22 without theuse of tools. Furthermore, if one part should fail first (e.g., thearbor assembly 22, the pilot bit 18, or the hole saw 14), a user canremove and replace that part instead of needing to throw away the entirecutting tool 10.

The hole saw 14 includes a generally cylindrical body 26 having a firstor closed end 30 and a second or open end 34. The closed end 30 isconfigured to mount to the arbor assembly 22 for connecting the hole saw14 to a power tool (e.g., a drill). The open end 34 includes a toothform38 that is configured to cut through a work piece. In the illustratedembodiment, the toothform 38 is defined by a repeating pattern ofcutting teeth and gullets. In other embodiments, the toothform 38 mayhave other configurations. At least one opening 42 is formed in the body26 of the illustrated hole saw 14 between the closed and open ends 30,34 to facilitate chip and plug removal form the hole saw 14.

As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the hole saw 14 further includes an endcap 46 coupled to the cylindrical body 26. The end cap 46 forms theclosed end 30 of the body 26. The end cap 46 defines an opening 50 thatreceives a portion of the arbor assembly 22 to couple the hole saw 14 tothe arbor assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 50includes a hex-shaped section 54, rather than a threaded section. Thehex-shaped section 54 allows the hole saw 14 to slide linearly on to andoff of the arbor assembly 22 without rotating the hole saw 14. Theopening 50 also includes a channel 58 adjacent the hex-shaped section54. The channel 58 selectively receives part of the arbor assembly 22 toreleasably secure the hole saw 14 to the arbor assembly 22. In theillustrated embodiment, the channel 58 is defined by a continuousannular groove formed on an inner surface of the end cap 46.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C, the pilot bit 18 is coupled to the arborassembly 22 and surrounded by the hole saw 14. The pilot bit 18 includesa cutting portion 62 and a shaft 66. The cutting portion 62 extendsbeyond the open end 34 of the cylindrical body 26. The shaft 66 isgenerally hex-shaped. The shaft 66 is received by the arbor assembly 22and defines an annular groove 70. The annular groove 70 selectivelyreceives part of the arbor assembly 22 to releasably secure the pilotbit 18 to the arbor assembly 22. In the illustrated embodiment, thepilot bit 18 is a twist drill bit. In other embodiments, the pilot bit18 may be other types of drill bits, such as a spade bit. The hole saw14 and the pilot bit 18 are both removable from the arbor assembly 22separately or simultaneously.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated arbor assembly 22 includes ashank 74, a sleeve 78, first ball bearings 82, and a second ball bearing86. The shank 74 forms the main body of the arbor assembly 22 andincludes a first end 90 and a second end 94. The shank 74 also defines alongitudinal axis 98 extending through the first and second ends 90, 94.The first end 90 removably couples to the hole saw 14 and to the pilotbit 18. In particular, the illustrated first end 90 defines a hex-shapedboss 102, an annular recess 106, and an opening 110. The hex-shaped boss102 is received in the hex-shaped section 54 (FIG. 5) of the end cap 46to inhibit relative rotation between the hole saw 14 and the arborassembly 22. The annular recess 106 is formed on an outer surface of theshank 74 adjacent the hex-shaped boss 102. The opening 110 is a boreformed through part of the shank 74. In the illustrated embodiment, theopening 110 is a hex-shaped opening that receives the shaft 66 of thepilot bit 18. The second end 94 of the shank 74 is configured to becoupled to the power tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end94 includes a hex-shaped shaft 114 having an annular groove 118 that isconfigured to be received in and engaged by a chuck of the power tool.In other embodiments, the second end 94 may include other suitableshafts or coupling mechanisms for connecting to a power tool.

The sleeve 78 is supported by the shank 74 and is movable (e.g.,slidable) along the shank 74 in a direction parallel to the longitudinalaxis 98. In some embodiments, the sleeve 78 may also or alternativelyrotate relative to the shank 74. The illustrated sleeve 78 includes afirst body 122 and a second body 126. The first body 122 includes anouter grip surface 130 configured to be engaged by a user to move thesleeve 78 relative to the shank 74. The second body 126, or carrier, iscoupled to and extends from the first body 122 adjacent the first end 90of the shank 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 126 issecured to the first body 122 with pins 134 (FIGS. 4A-4C). In otherembodiments, the second body 126 may be integrally formed as a singlepiece with the first body 122. The second body 126 defines apertures 138(FIG. 3) that receive the first ball bearings 82.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 78 is biased toward the firstend 90 of the shank 74 by a spring 142. The spring 142 is positionedaround a portion of the shank 74 within the sleeve 78. The illustratedspring 142 is a coil spring, although other suitable springs may also oralternatively be used. The spring 142 is captured between a stop ring146 and a ramped ring 150 coupled to an inner surface of the sleeve 78.In addition, movement of the sleeve 78 along the shank 74 is limited bytwo snap rings 154, 158. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first snap ring 154 iscoupled to the outer surface of the shank 74 between the hex-shaped boss102 and the annular recess 106. The sleeve 78 contacts the first snapring 154 when the sleeve 78 is biased toward the first end 90 of theshank 74 by the spring 142. The second snap ring 158 is coupled to theouter surface of the shank 74 adjacent the hex-shaped shaft 114. Thestop ring 146, under the bias of the spring 142, maintains contact withthe second snap ring 158.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first ball bearings 82 are disposedon the sleeve 78. More particularly, the first ball bearings 82 aresupported in the apertures 138 of the second body 126. In theillustrated embodiment, the arbor assembly 22 includes four first ballbearings circumferentially spaced around the shank 74. In otherembodiments, the arbor assembly 22 may include fewer or more first ballbearings 82. The first ball bearings 82 are movable with the sleeve 78as the sleeve 78 moves (e.g., slides) along the shank 74. As shown inFIG. 4A, the first ball bearings 82 extend radially outward from thesecond body 126 when the sleeve 78 is in a first position to engage thehole saw 14. More particularly, the first ball bearings 82 extend intothe channel 58 in the end cap 46 of the hole saw 14 to releasably securethe hole saw 14 to the arbor assembly 22. As shown in FIG. 4B, the firstball bearings 82 move radially inward when the sleeve 78 is in a secondposition to disengage the hole saw 14. More particularly, the first ballbearings 82 move into the annular recess 106 of the shank 74 to allowremoval of the hole saw 14 from the arbor assembly 22.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the second ball bearing 86 is disposed on theshank 74. More particularly, the second ball bearing 86 is received inan aperture 162 formed in the shank 74. The aperture 162 communicateswith the opening 110 of the shank 74. In the illustrated embodiment, thearbor assembly 22 includes a single second ball bearing 86. In otherembodiments, the arbor assembly 22 may include more than one second ballbearing 86. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second ball bearing 86extends radially inward when the sleeve 78 is in the first and secondpositions to engage the pilot bit 18. More particularly, the second ballbearing 86 extends into the opening 110 and engages the annular groove70 on the shaft 66 of the pilot bit 18 to releasably secure the pilotbit 18 to the arbor assembly 22. As shown in FIG. 4C, the second ballbearing 86 moves radially outward when the sleeve 78 is in a thirdposition to disengage the pilot bit 18. More particularly, the secondball bearing 86 moves out of the annular groove 70 on the shaft 66 ofthe pilot bit 18 to allow removal of the pilot bit 18 from the arborassembly 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second ball bearing 86 is biasedradially inward (e.g., into engagement with the pilot bit 18) by aspring element 166. The illustrated spring element 166 is an annularspring member positioned within the sleeve 78 and surrounding a portionof the shank 74. In other embodiments, the second ball bearing 86 may bebiased by other suitable spring elements (e.g., a coil compressionspring). The ramped ring 150 engages the spring element 166 to help pushthe second ball bearing 86 radially inwardly. More particularly, whenthe sleeve 78 is in the first and second positions (FIGS. 4A and 4B), arelatively thick portion 170 of the ramped ring 150 engages the springelement 166, holding the spring element 166 and the second ball bearing86 radially inward. When the sleeve 78 is in the third position (FIG.4C), a tapered portion 174 of the ramped ring 150 is aligned with thespring element 166 so that the spring element 166 and the second ballbearing 86 can move radially outward and release the pilot bit 18.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate operation of the arbor assembly 22. As shown inFIG. 4A, the sleeve 78 is in the first position such that the hole saw14 and the pilot bit 18 are secured to the arbor assembly 22. In thisposition, the sleeve 78 is moved (e.g., linearly slid) toward the firstend 90 of the shank 74 under the bias of the spring 142. The first ballbearings 82, thereby, are moved out of the annular recess 106 of theshank 74 so that the first ball bearings 82 extend into and engage thechannel 58 of the hole saw 14. Likewise, the second ball bearing 86 ispushed radially inward by the ramped ring 150 and the spring element 166so that the second ball bearing 86 extends into and engages the annulargroove 70 of the pilot bit 18. While in this position, the hole saw 14and the pilot bit 18 cannot be readily pulled off of the arbor assembly22.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the sleeve 78 is in the second position such thatthe hole saw 14 is removable from the arbor assembly 22 and the pilotbit 18 is secured to the arbor assembly 22. In this position, the sleeve78 is moved in the direction of arrow A toward the second end 94 of theshank 74 against the bias of the spring 142. The first ball bearings 82,thereby, are moved into the annular recess 106 of the shank 74 so thatthe first ball bearings 82 disengage the channel 58 of the hole saw 14.In contrast, the second ball bearing 86 remains engaged with the annulargroove 70 of the pilot bit 18. While in this position, the hole saw 14can be removed from (e.g., pulled off of) the arbor assembly 22 in thedirection of arrow B, but the pilot bit 18 remains secured to the arborassembly 22. The hex-shaped section 54 of the hole saw 14 and hex-shapedboss 102 of the shank 74 allow the hole saw 14 to be pulled linearly offof the arbor assembly 22 without rotating the hole saw 14 relative tothe arbor assembly 22.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the sleeve 78 is in the third position such thatthe pilot bit 18 is also removable from the arbor assembly 22. In thisposition, the sleeve 78 is moved further in the direction of arrow Atoward the second end 94 of the shank 74 against the bias of the spring142. The tapered portion 174 of the ramped ring 150 is aligned with thespring element 166 so that the second ball bearing 86 can move radiallyoutward and disengage the pilot bit 18. While in this position, thepilot bit 18 can be removed from (e.g., pulled out of) the arborassembly 22 in the direction of arrow B. As such, the sleeve 78 moves todifferent positions to separately allow removal of the hole saw 14 andthe pilot bit 18 from the arbor assembly 22. In other embodiments, bothrelease actions may occur simultaneously at one position of the sleeve78.

Although the illustrated arbor assembly 22 is described as having thespring 142, which biases the sleeve 78 in one direction, in otherembodiments the spring 142 may be omitted. For example, the sleeve 78may be moved along the shank 74 only in response to actuation from auser. In such embodiments, the shank 74 and/or the sleeve 78 may includedetent-type mechanisms to releasably hold the sleeve 78 in one or moreof its positions. Additionally, in further embodiments, the sleeve 78may rotate relative to the shank 74 to change positions. For example,the sleeve 78 may be threadably coupled to the shank 74 such thatrotation of the sleeve 78 causes movement along the shank 74.Alternatively, the sleeve 78 may rotate about the shank 74 withoutchanging axial positions, but such rotation may still cause movement ofthe ball bearings 82, 86 to engage and disengage the hole saw 14 and thepilot bit 18.

During use, interaction of hex-shaped profiles (e.g., the hex-shapedsection 54 and the hex-shaped boss 102, and the hex-shaped opening 110and the hex-shaped shaft 66) are used to drive rotation of the hole saw14 and the pilot bit 18. The first ball bearings 86 inhibit relativeaxial movement between the hole saw 14 and the arbor assembly 22, butare not rotationally fixed relative to the hole saw 14, which mayincrease bearing life. In addition, by having the first ball bearings 86face outwardly to engage the hole saw 14, the arbor assembly 22 can besmaller than previous arbors that have ball bearings extending inwardly.This is because in a previous arbor, there must be empty space in themiddle of the arbor to allow for receipt of a portion of the hole sawthat would extend into the arbor.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate another arbor assembly 222 for a hole saw and apilot bit 218. Although not shown in this embodiment, the hole saw maybe similar to the hole saw 14 described above with reference to FIGS.1-5. The illustrated arbor assembly 222 is similar to the arbor assembly22 described above and includes like parts. Reference is hereby made tothe description of the arbor assembly 22 shown in FIGS. 1-4C fordescription of features and elements of the arbor assembly 222 notspecifically included below.

The illustrated arbor assembly 222 includes a shank 226, a sleeve 230,ball bearings 234, and a spring 238. The arbor assembly 222 alsoincludes a stop ring 242 and two snap rings 246, 250. In the illustratedembodiment, the pilot bit 218 is not removable from the shank 226. Assuch, the arbor assembly 222 does not include a second (e.g., internal)ball bearing. When the sleeve 230 is slid in the direction of arrow A(FIG. 9), the ball bearings 234 only release the hole saw. The pilot bit218 remains fixed (i.e., secured to) the arbor assembly 222.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate yet another arbor assembly 322 for a hole saw anda pilot bit 318. Although not shown in this embodiment, the hole saw maybe similar to the hole saw 14 described above with reference to FIGS.1-5. The illustrated arbor assembly 322 is similar to the arbor assembly22 described above and includes like parts. Reference is hereby made tothe description of the arbor assembly 22 shown in FIGS. 1-4C fordescription of features and elements of the arbor assembly 322 notspecifically included below.

The illustrated arbor assembly 322 includes a shank 326, a sleeve 330,ball bearings 334, and a spring 338. The arbor assembly 322 alsoincludes a stop ring 342 and two snap rings 346, 350. In the illustratedembodiment, the pilot bit 318 is not removable from the shank 326. Assuch, the arbor assembly 322 does not include a second (e.g., internal)ball bearing. When the sleeve 330 is slid in the direction of arrow A(FIG. 13), the ball bearings 334 only release the hole saw. The pilotbit 318 remains fixed (i.e., secured to) the arbor assembly 322.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described. Various features and advantages of the invention are setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting tool comprising: a hole saw; a pilotbit; and an arbor assembly including a shank removably coupled to thehole saw and to the pilot bit, a sleeve moveable relative to the shank,a first ball bearing moveable relative to the shank in response tomovement of the sleeve, the first ball bearing engaging the hole saw toreleasably secure the hole saw to the shank, and a second ball bearingmoveable relative to the shank in response to movement of the sleeve,the second ball bearing engaging the pilot bit to releasably secure thepilot bit to the shank, wherein the sleeve is moveable to a firstposition where the hole saw and the pilot bit are secured to the arborassembly, to a second position where the first ball bearing disengagesthe hole saw, allowing removal of the hole saw from the shank, and to athird position where the second ball bearing disengages the pilot bit,allowing removal of the pilot bit from the shank.
 2. The cutting tool ofclaim 1, wherein the shank defines a recess, and wherein the first ballbearing aligns with the recess when the sleeve moves toward the secondend of the shank.
 3. The cutting tool of claim 2, wherein the first ballbearing is moved outward to engage the hole saw when the sleeve movestoward the first end of the shank, and wherein the first ball bearing ismoved inward to disengage the hole saw when the sleeve moves toward thesecond end of the shank.
 4. The cutting tool of claim 3, wherein thehole saw includes an end cap defining a channel, wherein the channelreceives the first ball bearing when the sleeve moves towards the firstend of the shank.
 5. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein the shankdefines an opening, wherein the opening receives a portion of the pilotbit, and wherein the second ball bearing extends into the opening andengages the portion of the pilot bit when the sleeve moves towards thefirst end of the shank.
 6. The cutting tool of claim 5, wherein thesecond ball bearing is moved inward to engage the pilot bit when thesleeve moves toward the first end of the shank, and wherein the secondball bearing is moved outward to disengage the hole saw when the sleevemoves toward the second end of the shank.
 7. The cutting tool of claim5, wherein the opening is a hex-shaped opening, and wherein the pilotbit includes a hex-shaped shaft that is received in the hex-shapedopening.
 8. The cutting tool of claim 5, wherein the arbor assemblyfurther includes a spring element supported by the sleeve, and whereinthe spring element aligns with and engages the second ball bearing whenthe sleeve moves towards the first end of the shank.
 9. The cutting toolof claim 1, wherein the first ball bearing is part of a plurality offirst ball bearings circumferentially spaced around the shank, andwherein the plurality of first ball bearings engages the hole saw toreleasably secure the hole saw to the shank.
 10. The cutting tool ofclaim 1, wherein the arbor assembly further includes a spring coupled tothe sleeve, and wherein the spring biases the sleeve toward the firstend of the shank.
 11. The cutting tool of claim 10, wherein the springincludes a coil spring positioned around a portion of the shank
 12. Thecutting tool of claim 11, wherein the spring is positioned within thesleeve.
 13. A cutting tool comprising: a hole saw; and an arbor assemblyincluding a shank having a first end and a second end and defining alongitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, the firstend of the shank removably coupled to the hole saw, a sleeve moveablealong the shank, and a ball bearing carried by the sleeve and engagingthe hole saw to releasably secure the hole saw to the shank, the ballbearing moveable with the sleeve relative to the shank both in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis and in a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis as the sleeve moves along theshank to selectively disengage the hole saw.
 14. The cutting tool ofclaim 13, wherein the shank defines a recess, and wherein the ballbearing aligns with the recess when the sleeve moves toward the secondend of the shank.
 15. The cutting tool of claim 14, wherein the ballbearing is moved outward to engage the hole saw when the sleeve movestoward the first end of the shank, and wherein the ball bearing is movedinward to disengage the hole saw when the sleeve moves toward the secondend of the shank.
 16. The cutting tool of claim 15, wherein the hole sawincludes an end cap defining a channel, wherein the channel receives theball bearing when the sleeve moves towards the first end of the shank.17. The cutting tool of claim 13, wherein the ball bearing is part of aplurality of ball bearings circumferentially spaced around the shank,and wherein the plurality of ball bearings engages the hole saw toreleasably secure the hole saw to the shank.
 18. The cutting tool ofclaim 13, wherein the arbor assembly further includes a spring coupledto the sleeve, and wherein the spring biases the sleeve toward the firstend of the shank.
 19. The cutting tool of claim 18, wherein the springincludes a coil spring positioned around a portion of the shank withinthe sleeve.
 20. An arbor assembly for use with a hole saw and a pilotbit, the arbor assembly comprising: a shank having a first end and asecond end and defining a longitudinal axis extending through the firstand second ends, the first end of the shank configured to be coupled tothe hole saw and to the pilot bit; a sleeve moveable along the shank; afirst ball bearing configured to engage the hole saw, the first ballbearing movable radially inward relative to the shank in response tomovement of the sleeve to selectively disengage the hole saw; and asecond ball bearing configured to engage the pilot bit, the second ballbearing movable radially outward relative to the shank in response tomovement of the sleeve to selectively disengage the pilot bit.